Best Time to See Raccoons in Tennessee
June, May and March is the best time to see raccoons in Tennessee. Based on 1,996 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when raccoons are most active across the year in Tennessee.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Common Raccoon · juniper_likethetree CC BY
Common Raccoon · juniper_likethetree CC BY
Common Raccoon · Steven Wang CC BY
1,996 verified observations of raccoons in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When raccoons are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
June
230 records (11.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 141 | 7.1% |
| February | 213 | 10.7% |
| Marchpeak | 218 | 10.9% |
| April | 188 | 9.4% |
| Maypeak | 228 | 11.4% |
| Junepeak | 230 | 11.5% |
| July | 167 | 8.4% |
| August | 140 | 7% |
| September | 114 | 5.7% |
| October | 117 | 5.9% |
| November | 91 | 4.6% |
| December | 149 | 7.5% |
Raccoons you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Raccoon | 1,996 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when raccoons are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for raccoons sit around 42 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Marbest time | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Apr | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Jul | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Aug | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Nov | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on raccoons in Tennessee:
Sightings of raccoons in Tennessee peak in June, when 230 of the year's 1,996 verified observations are logged — about 11.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and March.
The quietest stretch is November, September and October, when raccoons are hardest to find — November sees just 91 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The raccoons you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Common Raccoon — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see raccoons in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see raccoons in Tennessee?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and March, based on 1,996 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are raccoons hardest to see in Tennessee?+
November is the quietest month for raccoons in Tennessee, with only 91 verified records.
Are raccoons active year-round in Tennessee?+
Raccoons are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see raccoons
More wildlife in Tennessee